Freight Forwarding China โ United States
Ocean and air freight from Hong Kong to New York. Note: Since Executive Order 13936 (2020), Hong Kong goods are treated as mainland China origin โ Section 301 tariffs apply. Full customs compliance and expertise.
Origin & Destination Ports
Primary gateways our partner network uses on this corridor. We can route through alternates for capacity, weather, or cost.
Origin Ports โ China
- Hong Kong International Container Terminals (Kwai Tsing)
- COSCO-HIT Terminals
- Modern Terminals
Destination Ports โ United States
- Port of New York/New Jersey (Port Newark)
- Port of New York (Red Hook)
Regulatory Snapshot
Snapshot of clearance and duty rules. For your specific HS code, request a personalized assessment.
Customs clearance
Shipments from Hong Kong to New York require ISF 24 hours before departure. Country of origin declaration is critical: goods actually manufactured in Hong Kong are treated as China-origin per Executive Order 13936 (July 2020) and are subject to Section 301 tariffs. Goods genuinely manufactured in third countries and merely transshipped through Hong Kong retain their third-country origin. CBP may require additional documentation to verify country of origin for Hong Kong-transshipped goods. Required documents: commercial invoice (with correct country of manufacture), packing list, bill of lading, CBP Form 7501. FCC compliance for electronics. FDA Prior Notice for food/drugs.
Tariff & duties
Goods of Hong Kong origin (manufactured in HK) are treated as Chinese origin under Executive Order 13936 and are subject to: MFN tariff rates + Section 301 tariffs (7.5%โ25%) + applicable IEEPA additional tariffs (2025). Before EO 13936, HK goods were not subject to Section 301. Third-country goods transshipping through Hong Kong retain their original country's tariff treatment (e.g., goods made in Taiwan transshipping through HK are assessed at Taiwan's MFN rates, not Section 301). This distinction is critical for importers and must be accurately declared.
Quick facts
- EO 13936: HK = China Origin
Executive Order 13936 (July 2020) removed Hong Kong's special trade status. Goods of Hong Kong origin are now treated as mainland Chinese origin for US trade purposes โ Section 301 tariffs apply at the same rates as PRC-origin goods.
- World-Class Air Hub
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is Asia's premier air cargo hub โ handling over 4.5 million metric tons of cargo annually. Multiple daily direct flights to JFK and EWR provide fast, reliable air freight transit.
- Country of Origin Clarity
CBP strictly enforces country-of-origin declarations for Hong Kong shipments. Goods manufactured in Hong Kong are now treated as Chinese-origin. Goods merely transshipped through HK from other countries retain their true country of origin. We ensure correct origin declaration on all HBL and commercial invoices.
- What we move on this lane
Electronics & Technology Products, Machinery & Equipment, Luxury Goods & Fashion, Watches & Jewelry, Financial Services Goods, Pharmaceuticals
Frequently asked questions about China โ United States
Are Hong Kong goods subject to Section 301 tariffs?
Yes. Since Executive Order 13936 (July 14, 2020), goods of Hong Kong origin are treated as goods of mainland Chinese origin for US trade purposes. This means Section 301 tariffs (7.5%โ25%) apply to Hong Kong-manufactured goods โ the same rates as mainland China. Before July 2020, Hong Kong goods were exempt from Section 301 tariffs. This was a significant policy change that affects importers sourcing from Hong Kong manufacturers.
How long does ocean freight from Hong Kong to New York take?
Ocean freight from Hong Kong to New York takes 24โ32 days. From Kwai Tsing terminals, vessels transit the Pacific Ocean and Panama Canal before arriving at Port Newark (New York/New Jersey). Direct services are operated by major carriers including COSCO, Evergreen, Hapag-Lloyd, and ONE. Air freight from Hong Kong International Airport to JFK or EWR takes 4โ7 days with multiple direct and one-stop services.
What is the impact of Executive Order 13936 on Hong Kong trade?
Executive Order 13936 (July 2020) suspended the special trade, economic, and other treatment for Hong Kong that had been distinct from mainland China. For trade purposes, the key impact is: (1) Hong Kong-origin goods are now subject to Section 301 tariffs; (2) Hong Kong no longer receives MFN-only treatment separate from China; (3) Export controls apply to Hong Kong the same as mainland China. The order was issued in response to China's imposition of the National Security Law in Hong Kong.
If goods are manufactured in Taiwan but transship through Hong Kong, what tariffs apply?
Goods manufactured in Taiwan (or any other country) and merely transshipping through Hong Kong retain their country of origin (Taiwan) for US customs purposes. They would be assessed at Taiwan's MFN tariff rates โ NOT at China Section 301 rates. This is a critical distinction. CBP may request documentation to verify origin for goods transshipping through Hong Kong. Suaid Global ensures correct country-of-origin declarations on all commercial invoices and bills of lading for HK transshipments.
What are the main Hong Kong ports for cargo to New York?
Hong Kong's container terminals are clustered in Kwai Tsing (Kwai Chung/Tsing Yi), the primary international container facility. Major terminals include: COSCO-HIT Terminals, Modern Terminals, DP World (formerly Asia Container Terminals), and Hongkong International Terminals (HIT, operated by HPH Trust). HKIA also has substantial air cargo handling facilities adjacent to the passenger terminal, operated by Cathay Pacific and other carriers.
Has Hong Kong's cargo volume declined since EO 13936?
Hong Kong's container port volumes have declined significantly since 2020 due to EO 13936, COVID disruptions, and the broader shift of manufacturing and trade away from Hong Kong toward Singapore and mainland China ports. However, Hong Kong remains an important air cargo hub (HKIA) due to its geographic position and aviation infrastructure. For ocean freight, many previously Hong Kong-routed shipments now clear through Shenzhen (Yantian) or Guangzhou (Nansha) directly.
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